ODDS, ENDS & INSPIRATION

NOW HERE’S A TIP

z Freshen stuffed animals by securing a few in a pillowcase and adding a fabric softener sheet. Put in the dryer on low heat for 20 minutes, then remove and brush out the fur, if necessary, while still warm. z Keep a freezer-safe food container (e.g. Tupperware or reusable Chinese Restaurant container) in the freezer and whenever you have a small amount of leftovers, chop them up and add it to your container. When it’s full, thaw it. Add some of your favourite soup beans, pizza sauce, milk and cheese, and you have a unique and delicious soup. – M.P. z If you’ve been decluttering as a part of your New Year’s resolutions, and you came across old pairs of eyeglasses, know that you can donate them to any Lion’s Club in your area. They redistribute the glasses to those who cannot afford them. You don’t have to know the prescription, and they take reading glasses, too!

z “For pastry cooking, try grating frozen butter into the flour. It cuts in better and will stay cool longer. This helps when I’m making shortbread, as the flour and butter need to be combined. I don’t end up having to put it in the fridge to cool it back down.” – C.S.

z “When adding flour to your stand mixer, try adding the flour in one batch and covering the top with a towel. Hold in place loosely while the mixer incorporates the flour. You will not get a big dust cloud!” – M.H.

z Speaking of stand-mixer tips, here’s a good one: Use the dough hook on your stand mixer to shred chicken or pork from the slow cooker. Simply remove fat, add meat in hunks to bowl and mix. It’s so easy!